Funding Threatened for Domestic & Sexual Violence Protection

Programs that provide legal assistance, shelter, counseling, and other support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse are in jeopardy throughout Virginia, as lawmakers in Washington battle over reauthorization of the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Legal Aid, which is in the vanguard of protecting victims, is already in a fiscal crisis, due to […]

McDonnell Criticized for Veto of Virginia Abused-Child Schooling Bill

By David Sherfinski, The Washington Times Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has found himself on the opposite side of advocacy groups spanning the political spectrum after vetoing a bill that would allow abused or neglected children living with a relative to enroll in the school district where the relative lives. The measure, backed by groups such as the Virginia Education Association, […]

VPLC Disappointed in Veto of SB 217

The Virginia Poverty Law Center and Voices for Virginia’s Children are deeply disappointed that Governor McDonnell has vetoed SB 217, a bill sponsored by Senator George Barker that would have provided countless Virginia children living in kinship care arrangements with the educational stability they need to endure a family crisis. Parents facing difficulties such as […]

Bank of America Starts Mortgage Reduction Effort

By Natasha Singer, The New York Times Bank of America has started sending letters to thousands of homeowners in the United States, offering to forgive a portion of the principal balance on their mortgages by an average of $150,000 each. The reduction for qualifying homeowners could amount to monthly savings of up to 35 percent on mortgage payments, […]

VaLegalAid.org Launches with Upgraded Design, New Features

www.VaLegalAid.org, the free, statewide resource for those facing civil legal issues, relaunched today with a more user-friendly design and upgraded features that will make it easier than ever to find needed assistance.  The site is part of the national LawHelp.org network of nonprofit legal information portals that empower individuals to help themselves.  VaLegaAid.org is Virginia’s online […]

Report: $40 Million in Rebates Could Be on the Way to Virginians

By Monique Coppola, Public News Service-VA The check could be in the mail by August 1 for some individuals and businesses in Virginia. According to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 17 health-insurance plans collected about $40 million more than they should have, and will now have to pay it back to consumers under the […]

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